Where can you get it? Baijiu is tricky to find in the U.S. because of import laws and the lack of an established market here, though manufacturers are trying to change that. Your best bet is heading to a Chinatown in your nearest city.

2.Malört

What is it? Jeppson's Malört is described as a Swedish-Style Brännvin, or a wormwood liqueur (what absinthe is made of). Though it's been around for almost a century, only recently has malört gained popularity, despite its bitter taste.

4.Akvavit

What is it? A Scandinavian spirit, akvavit is usually flavored with caraway seeds and has about a 40 percent ABV. It's traditionally drunk as a shot, sometimes chased with beer, but some bars will mix it into cocktails. It has a flavor not dissimilar to jäger.

Where have you heard of it? If you've been in Denmark and Norway around Christmas, you've seen akvavit used for holiday celebrations. Or at a place like New York's Vandaag.

Where can you get it? Northshore Distillery in Illinois sells akvavit; you can purchase it through these venders online. House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon also makes the beverage and you can buy it here.

5.Raki

What is it? The Turkish version of ouzo, raki is made from grapes and flavored with anise seeds. It's often drunk mixed with water, turning it a milky color, which is why some people call it "lion's milk." It has a 45 percent ABV.

6.Eiswein/Icewine

What is it? Literally what the name describes: a dessert wine made from grapes that were frozen while still on the vine. It's typically produced in Germany or Canada, can be red or white and ranges from six to 13 percent ABV.

7.Cachaça

What is it? Made of sugar cane juice, cachaça is often called Brazilian rum (though traditional rum is distilled from molasses). It runs between 38 and 48 percent ABV and is used in Brazil's national drink the Caipirinha.

9.White whiskey

What is it? Also called white dog by those in the industry, white whiskey is essentially a fancy way of saying moonshine. It's a clear whiskey that hasn't been aged in a barrel, usually made with a combination of rye, corn and barley, with anywhere from a 40 to 60 percent ABV.

11.Soju

What is it? A Korean liquor traditionally made from rice, though a lot of modern suppliers use other starches to make this alcohol, which is similar in taste to vodka. It can have an ABV of anywhere from 16 to 45 percent and is traditionally drunk straight.